The Abuja Court of Appeal has officially overturned a lower court ruling that previously ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strip the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political organizations of their registration status. A panel of three justices reached a unanimous verdict, declaring the Federal High Court’s June 15 directive void.
The appellate court determined that the trial judge lacked proper jurisdiction, noting that the lawsuit was initiated by a non-juristic entity. Furthermore, the court criticized the lower bench for ignoring evidence showing that these parties had secured various legislative seats in recent elections. The panel also highlighted that the Federal High Court proceeded with the case despite an explicit order to stay proceedings, an action the appellate justices labeled as judicial misconduct.
Justice Abba Mohammed, leading the ruling, confirmed that the five political parties—ADC, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party—retain their valid registration. The appellate court also mandated the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which originally brought the suit, to pay legal costs.
Previously, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court had instructed INEC to cease recognizing these parties, citing their alleged failure to meet constitutional thresholds under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution. The NFFL had argued that these groups consistently failed to meet electoral performance benchmarks, a position supported by Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi. However, the Court of Appeal ultimately dismissed these claims, criticizing the trial court for failing to respect the established judicial hierarchy.
